The rollercoaster weather we’ve been having has left our skin in a state of utter confusion. Our complexion is still getting over the moisture-sapping, dullness-inducing winds of winter, while also having to contend with the sudden on-set of humid, UV ray-drenched days. Long story short: our skin is dull, we’ve lost our glow, and the humidity has made us glow in all the wrong ways (hello, oilslick!). With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best ways to help you combat dull skin while also keeping oil production in check as we head into the humid days of summer.
#1: Exfoliate
Everyone has different thoughts on how and when to exfoliate, but the bottom line is that you need to exfoliate at least a few times a week to slough away those dead skin cells and prevent their build-up (which can cause dullness). Whether you use a a scrub or toning solution, or a daily cream or serum infused with alpha, beta or lipo hydroxy acids, exfoliating stimulates skin cell renewal and helps reveal new, glowy skin. And who doesn’t want that?
29Secrets Pick: Infused with lipo-hydroxy acid and pink pigments, L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Moisturizer gently exfoliates and brings back that rosy glow to skin, while hydrating with skin-loving squalane. This buzzworthy cream was recently featured on the Dr. Oz show; check out the clip here.
#2: Add a vitamin C serum.
If you’re not using one already, you need to add a vitamin C serum to your routine, as this potent antioxidant is one of the gold-standard ingredients in fighting dull skin. It helps fade sun spots and also fends off free-radical damage as a result of the sun’s rays, which is a must all year-round, but especially in the summer.
29Secrets Pick: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum features a potent antioxidant complex of l-ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C), ferulic acid and vitamin E to help fight dullness and dark spots while boosting radiance and skin firmness.
#3: Add a retinol product. Retinol helps smooth the skin’s surface and minimize fine lines, wrinkles and pores for a more even-looking complexion, which translates to a more radiant you.
29Secrets Pick: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regnerating Cream includes a fast-acting retinol that helps renew the look of skin in as little as one week. Deeply moisturizing, the formula now comes in a fragrance-free version.
#4: Keep it hydrated. Everything works (and looks) better when your skin is properly hydrated, protected and nourished, even in the summer (and let’s face it, your skin probably took a beating over the winter). Look for deeply replenishing moisturizers with well-rounded ingredients like squalane, ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
29Secrets Pick: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors +HA contains a host of hydrating ingredients that are naturally found in the skin, including amino and fatty acids, triglycerides, ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Plus, its oil-free, non-greasy formula is perfect for the hot days ahead.
